Basics
People with impaired kidney function must follow a kidney diet to reduce the amount of waste in their blood. Kidney diet is low in sodium, phosphorus and protein. This entails consumption of high-quality protein and generally limited fluids. Some patients may also need to limit potassium and calcium. When the kidney doesn't work properly and it is unable to filter or remove waste properly. As waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient's electrolyte levels.
Some substances those are important to monitor to encourage renal diet:
Sodium
Too much sodium can be harmful for people with kidney disease because their kidneys cannot adequately eliminate excess sodium and fluid from the body.
You can monitor sodium intake by
- Read food labels to see sodium quantity in it.
- Choose fresh food rather in packaged.
- Cook at home.
- Limit total sodium content to 400 mg per meal.
- Compare brands and use the items that are lowest in sodium.
Potassium
When the kidneys fail to function properly, they cannot remove excess potassium, so potassium builds up in the body. High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia.
You can monitor potassium intake by
- Limit consumption foods high in potassium.
- Limit milk and dairy products to 8 ounces per day.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Check labels on packaged foods and avoid potassium chloride.
- Maintain journal.
Phosphorous
When the kidney is unable to function properly, the kidneys do not remove the excess phosphorus. Too much phosphorus can strip calcium from your bones, making them weak. This leads to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, eyes and heart.
You can monitor phosphorous intake by
- Eat small portions of foods
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Ask your doctor about using phosphate binders at mealtimes.
- Avoid canned foods that contain added phosphorus.
- Look for phosphorus, or look for the words "PHOS" on the ingredient label.
